Hometown Hero Visits Northport Middle School

Students at Northport Middle School had the special opportunity to hear from 19-year old Paralympic Gold Medalist Mikey Brannigan on Sept. 23, 2016. Brannigan, who graduated Northport Middle School in 2011, competed in the 2016 Paralympics in Rio di Janeiro and won gold in the men’s Paralympic T20 1500m race at the beginning of September.

Brannigan received a warm welcome at Northport Middle School, as students and staff greeted him by waving American flags. Students then took pictures with the gold medalist. In the school auditorium, Brannigan provided a special question and answer session for the school’s eighth-graders and encouraged students to always do their best. Brannigan also described his track experience as a student at the school. He explained how he would set personal goals for himself and thanked former classmates for the support he received.

“I looked up to my classmates and that really helped me,” he said.

Principal Timothy Hoss is proud of Brannigan and appreciative that he was so generous with his time at the school.

“It was wonderful to have him in our midst again,” he said. “Anyone who has been in the presence of this fine young man is immediately taken by his kindness, zest for life and commitment to excellence. Mikey, our former student, is our friend for life, and he will surely have many more opportunities to impress the world with his endless talent.”

1) Paralympic Gold Medalist Mikey Brannigan received a patriotic welcome at Northport Middle School where he spoke to students on Sept. 23, 2016.

2) Mikey Brannigan posed with the Northport Tiger mascot during his visit to Northport Middle School on Sept. 23, 2016.

3) Mikey Brannigan was all smiles with his gold medal around his neck before speaking with students.

4) Principal Timothy Hoss spoke with Mikey Brannigan before Brannigan took the stage for a question and answer session with eighth-graders.

5) Northport Middle School students posed for photos with the Paralympic Gold Medalist during his visit to the school on Sept. 23, 2016.

6) Eighth-grade Northport Middle School students show their support with a sign for Mikey Brannigan.

7) Mikey Brannigan took the stage at Northport Middle School to speak with eighth-graders on Sept. 23, 2016.

8) Principal Timothy Hoss and Northport Middle School eighth-graders posed with Paralympic Gold Medalist Mikey Brannigan during his school visit on Sept. 23, 2016.

9) Mikey Brannigan took photos with staff at Northport Middle School on Sept. 23, 2016.

10) Northport Middle School eighth-graders gathered in the school auditorium to hear Paralympic Gold Medalist Mikey Brannigan speak on Sept. 23, 2016.

 Photos courtesy of the Northport-East Northport School District